Shopping at the local arts and craft market in most West African cites can be a daunting experience for a tourist. These markets are colorful and have a way of sucking the life and money out of you. So what is the secret to getting good deals and leaving the market with your sanity intact? Know how to bargain… be playful and lighthearted with it.
Some may not understand it (bargaining) but it is part of the culture in West Africa and knowing how to do it is an essential if you are traveling the continent: from food to clothing, to getting a taxi ride. Nothing is off the table, all is fair game for bargaining. Want to get a dress made? you have to bargain with the seamstress. Its a fabric of the market life just like the colorful dresses with matching head wraps.
Here are some tips to help guide you and make your experience less stressful.
- Make a list- If you don’t make a list of things that you would like to purchase you are likely going to purchase everything in sight.
- Don’t be too eager to buy-Even if you like something don’t seem so eager to get it. The more you show that you love the item the more they will hold firm to the price
- Their Price or Your Price– Once the seller quotes you a price divide it in to 4. Yes you heard me right 4…which is 25% of the asking price, then take it a few notches up so you will end up somewhere between 25%-30% of the asking price.
- How much are you willing to pay-Have a good sense of how much you are willing to pay and be prepared to walk away. Don’t get too attached to an item. Most of what we purchase in these markets are gifts for other people.
- Do your homework– Ask around to have a general sense of pricing for certain items. This can be useful if you encounter a merchant who does not want to name a price. If you are taking taxi you can price check with Uber
- Avoid being the first to name a price-To the degree you can avoid it do not be the first to name a price- If you do, you may be at a disadvantage if you don’t have a clear sense of what the item cost
- How long is this going to take– determine how long you want to engage in the back and forth banter. If you are 15 minutes into bargaining you may have just encountered a stubborn seller. Find another one and move on. Many of them carry the same item and you will find one who is willing to budge.
If you are successful that’s great, if you are not then try another merchant or another item. At the end of the day you as an individual may be in a better financial position than most of these merchants. Whilst you do not want to be duped you also want to be fair and pay the right price.
Have you had experience bargaining in any market where local arts, craft or clothing is sold? Share your experience.
The Global Ladybug 